Pre-Election Day Reminder: “Yes on 8” Means “No on Marriage Rights”

In light of a very enlightening, bipartisan ballot initiative review party I attended last night, it seems important this morning to remind people that the language of Proposition 8 can be a little confusing. So read carefully and make sure you’re voting the way you want to vote. A “Yes” vote on on Proposition 8 eliminates the right of same sex couples to marry. A “No” vote preserves the existing California constitution and the existing right for same sex couples to marry. Write yourself a cheat sheet or fill out your sample ballot and take it to the voting booth with you tomorrow so you don’t have to try to remember which vote means what when it’s time to actually cast it.

That said, I hope you’re all voting against Prop 8, and if you are you should know that while the current polling shows it being defeated 49% against to 44% for, polling of people who have already cast votes via absentee ballot or early voting shows that more than 50% of them voted Yes. That means Prop 8 will pass unless all of you No voters actually go out and vote. So, if you’re really against Prop 8, make sure you get your ass out to vote early today [PDF link], or to the polls tomorrow, and take the time to call your friends and family to make sure they’re doing the same. Hell, I’m sure some of you have an elderly grandparent or carless mom that could use a lift to the polls tomorrow. And if you’re one of those people that’s not bothering to vote because you figure Obama’s got CA in the bag, please leave your address in the comments so I can come over to your house and kick you square in the babymaker.

Prop 8 aside, any other ballot initiatives that have people scratching their heads? I’m guessing that more than a few of you are going to say “Prop 11.”

ADDENDUM: Ophelia Chong of KCET’s 404 City blog was also in attendance last night, and here’s her summary.